Too Late

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 24

Elena had finished her NYSC and bade Kwara state goodbye.

Charles made arrangements for her to join the company only to be disappointed.

“My father’s company is there for me” She told him “My aunt has managing it”

Charles was surprised. He never knew there was a job waiting for her. While he was busy making plans.

She started work in earnest and like Charles, she was very busy except weekends. Charles admires everything about her. Her honesty and humility, he loves her straight forwardness and this has made him to be opened to her. If he needs advice or suggestions on certain issues he goes to her.

In as much as he loves her, she also shows concern for him. Meeting them together for the first time,one would think they were siblings or couple.

Just as sisters in the church were trying to catch Charles’ attention, brothers were interested in Elena too. Charles’ heart had since settled for Elena. He was convinced she’s the woman made for him.

What disturbs his peace of mind, were the brothers in the church flocking round Elena. The other time in church, a young girl came to where he was standing with Elena.

“My brother said I should give you” She said stretching forth her hand to Elena

“Who is your brother” She asked looking round and also collecting the piece of paper.

“That one there” She said pointing to a place where some members stood.

The girl ran off but Elena didn’t see any young man looking at their direction. Elena was surprised when she opened the letter and read out loud for Charles to hear. It was a love letter.

Charles was dying inside as she read it. Who was this guy trying to woo the woman of his dream. He waited to hear her mind on the issue.

“This is childish” She said to Charles as she crumbled the paper and dropped it in her handbag.

“I have started telling God to connect me to my partner right from my tender age. Before the demise of my parents, they were never compatible. The anger, malice, quarrels were taking toll on us. My mum’s mouth was blade, my dad’s hands and legs were hammer.

My father’s aunty had to take us from them. We needed a new atmosphere. We were being traumatized” She shook her head sorrowfully. It was their lifestyle that claimed their lives.

“I am not going to make mistake in marriage. I will wait for the right person. I told the Holy Spirit to tell me who the person is. I believe I will be told when the time comes” She said sighing deeply

And so, when Charles prays, he would tell the Holy Spirit to inform Elena of his intentions towards her. Like Elena, he was going to marry right.

Pastor Nathan had announced that day after the Thursday prayer meeting that Elena should see him before leaving the church. Elena entered the Pastors office just when he was about to sit. He welcomed her then sat heavily on the chair.

“I will go straight to the point” He said looking at his watch.

He had to be quick because some members would like to see him too for counseling and prayer.

“So many brothers have come to indicate their interest in you. They want to marry you.”

“Enh!”

“This is only possible because you caught their attention. You appeal to them. Actually I must say you’re a good girl”

Elena smiled.

“Few months ago, Bro Ignatius met me about you but you soon left for service. He is still persisting that God told him you are his wife”

“Aaah” She said adjusting her position on her seat.

“Bro Daniel, Chikezie, Ramsey, Kenneth have come to me too. I want you to pray about this . Go into marriage with your eyes opened” He said trying to adjust his tie.

“Alright Pastor.”

“Let your prayers be intentional”

Elena thanked Pastor Nathan and left the office. She walked to where Charles was waiting for her. Nothing was hidden as she told him all the pastor said.

“I hate it when people lie using Gods name. A lot of people are saying what God didn’t say. How can God say I am a wife to all these brothers and he hasn’t told me himself?. I am not desperate. If any of them is my husband, he will tell me”

As the months went by, the number of brothers seeking her hands in marriage increased. This Charles worries. He just doesn’t know why he was afraid to bare his heart to her. Was he afraid of rejection?

“Tell her yourself Father. I don’t want to be embarrassed and disappointed when I eventually propose to her” He would pray

———————————–

Stanley highlighted from the bike. After paying the bike man he proceeded to Chinenye’s house. The house sits on a plot of land located in a busy area. Stanley had not knocked before the door was opened. Chimezie, Chinenye’s husband was about going out, he ushered him in. Chinenye who had been in the kitchen, heard voices and came to the sitting room. She hissed when she saw Stanley in the house.

“…I have told you times without number that I don’t know where your wife is. You dishonored my sister. You starved her. Jesus!, You showed no concern for her Stanley. You showed her no mercy. You’re a monster.” She shouted.

“Please!. I don’t know where to search for her again. You have been sending me away and today I have come to appeal to you to forgive me. Show me Mercy please.”

“I will never tell you where my sister lives”

Chimezie who had been listening cleared his throat.

“My wife told me you have been coming”.

“Yes. She refused to tell me where Chioma is and she threatened me never to set my foot here”

Chimezie sighed deeply. Just then Stanley’s son entered the living room and was surprised to see his father but he cringe. He hid himself behind Chinenye. Stanley was surprised to see his son.

“Aaah!, Chioma is here. Please let me see her” He said going down on his knees

“Chioma is not here” She is sick” chimezie said.

“Sick?. I don’t understand”

“She is sick with a strange sickness. The doctors could not diagnose her ailment”

Stanley stood up and sat on the chair. A cold shiver ran through his spine.

Chinenye narrated all Chioma had passed through

“Now the landlord had asked her to pack out of the house” She said

“Hmmm!. See what I have brought on my wife” He said placing his two hands on his head “I have succeed in destroying my marriage”

He stood up and went to Chinenye.

“Please where can I find her. Let me see her please”

She and her husband looked at each other.

“Let me take you there” Chinenye said

Stanley thanked them and followed her out of the house. The drive from her house to where Chioma lives was not more than 15 Mins. She drove quietly till they got to Chioma’s compound. There was nobody outside. They followed the passage to her room.

The door gave way itself as they knocked. The smell that greeted them was repulsive. Chinenye who first entered the small room ran out. Stanley did not run. He was shocked to see Chioma in such a condition looking so frail. She was covered in boils. He cried out in shock.

“I am sorry” He said crying and going on his knees before Chioma who couldn’t even sit up. She kept pouring spit into a bowl beside her. The spit was mixed with blood.

“It’s my fault. I opened the gate for the devil to come in. Please find it in your heart to forgive me”

“Go Stanley!. I can’t forgive you. You hurt me beyond repair. Forgiveness is not in my heart for you” she whispered.

Stanley talked and begged but Chioma refused to say anything further. He ran outside to talk to Chinenye to help beg Chioma, but she refused to go in because of the smell. Stanley left disappointed. He closed the door behind him and walked out in tears.